A detainee who has been in Australia for the past twenty-seven years is going to be deported to his native land Cambodia. When the Australian authorities were trying to deport him for almost four years, finally the man in question has voluntarily agreed to go back to Cambodia.

The case came to light at the federal Parliament last Wednesday, when the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman reported the same. Accused with a number of crimes, such as robbery and supplying drugs, thereby developing a strong criminal background, the man has been in immigration detention at Villawood, Sydney. While authorities tried to send him back to Cambodia, he then refused to return. But, now the unidentified man is willing to go back to this country.

The man was raised and educated in the Oz land. He arrived the land when he was only nine-year old. After living almost twenty-seven years in Australia, he has become a part of the Australian community. However, the immigration authorities termed him as a non-citizen in Australia.

The removal of the man from Australia is on the priority list for the immigration department, confirmed the Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans. The minister also confirmed that as per an individual’s deportation procedure, the man will be provided with a post-removal package to support and assist him.

This is one of the many cases included in the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman’s report. Most of these accused have been in detention for several years, where many of them are detained at Villawood.

Phillip Choon Tee Lim, 50, charged of murdering a renowned Aussie medico has been released after spending 18 long years in prison. He was one of the two men who were involved in assassinating a famous surgeon, Victor Chang in the year 1991.

Lim along with Chew Seng Liew were ordered a sentence of 24 to 26 years, but the former was deported back to KL after spending 18 years! He was released after he won a legal fight for his independence.

Victor Chang from Sydney, was an applauded heart surgeon and had earner ample fame, courtesy his contribution in heart transplant methods. He was killed by the two accused, an incident that shocked the whole world! Reports say that Chang was gunned down in the suburb of Mosman, near his house, on his way to the clinic. It was an unsuccessful extortion effort!

Choon, along with four Immigration officials, were due to board a plane to Malaysia, but some technical problems caused a delay in their scheduled take off.

Lim was struggling to get his freedom for a long time. His struggle paid off as the NSW Supreme Court granted him the freedom to go back to his country of origin. But his release would assure that he is permanently removed from Australia, confirmed Director of NSW Immigration Department, Gavin McCairns.

Now Lim has gained the status of an “Unaccompanied Malaysian Citizen” as now his PR Visa for Australia has been permanently ceased!

According to reports, Government of Australia is planning to come out with strict checks on applicants who come from nations applauded at high risk of terrorism. The new amendments would accommodate measures like collection of fingerprints, facial imaging data, to name a few.

The strict measures would keep terrorists away from seeking entry in Australia; Prime Minister Kevin Rudd confirmed the statement. He went on to say that Terrorism is one of permanent facets of Aussie security ambiance, confirming that the nation has become one of the soft targets, especially after the eminence of jihadist movement! However, the names of those countries which would be subjected to the new amendments have not come out in the limelight yet.

Cameron Murphy, president NSW Civil Liberties Council, feels that making the rules rigid and implementing imaging data would only lead to breaching the privacy of immigrants rather than fighting terrorism.

In addition to global jihadist movement, Australia face threats from those terrorists who are born and brought up in Aussie Land, the report confirmed. The report highlighted an incident where a judge sentenced five Aussie culprits for accumulating explosive goods to be used in criminal activities. Last year, five people were arrested for plotting an attack against Sydney military barracks. These, along with other occurrences, indicate that the Australia faces threats from overseas as well as homegrown terrorists.

Opposition leader Tony Abbott criticized the Rudd government for being too lax in acknowledging such issues. He said that the country surely faces security problems and the borders are totally out of control!

In another news piece, Australia has also tightened regulations for overseas students studying or intending to study in Australian colleges.

When we talk about Australia, imagery of kangaroos, yellow jerseys of the Aussie cricket team and Sydney Opera House comes to our mind! Aussie land is not only famous for Symonds, Gilly, or Ricky Ponting, but for world class education system also! People regard Australia as one of the best study abroad destinations on this globe. The education system of the country celebrates a strong reputation and is applauded for its ace faculty facet throughout the education arena. Apart from enjoying the scenic beauty, decent cost of living and world class facility, Australia makes an excellent place to study your favorite course in an applauded university.

The world’s smallest continent is draped with all the educational amenities one can ask for! The mix of various ethnic backgrounds serves as a cherry on the cake when it comes to studying backgrounds of different kind of people under one roof! In addition, students get to know the tradition of other countries, while sharing their own perspectives with other overseas students.

Studying in Australia provides a magnetic experience, giving ample opportunities to students to come and study in world class colleges and universities. Additionally, overseas students have the choice to indulge themselves into part time employment during their ongoing curriculum.

Education in Australia ensures a high quality education affirming success in your field in the upcoming future. The education system is divided into four major facets: Vocational institutions, Universities, English language institutions and schools.

Applicants can go for some of the highly applauded Universities like The University of Adelaide, The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, and The University of Western Australia. In order to enroll in Australian institutions, it is vital to clear all the requirements and fulfill the eligibility criteria, recommended by different universities.

Educational institutions need to have accreditation from Australian Government and ensure that they are providing the right information to the overseas students. Applicants need to get a valid Student Visa and check with the Australian Embassy to know about the whole process. Advice from an expert Study Visa consultant would also prove crucial at this stage!

Following the series of racial attacks, Shiv Sena has already barred Aussie cricketers from playing in Maharashtra. Echoing the same sentiments, Sena supremo Bal Thackeray again targeted Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan for his statements in support to selecting Pakistani cricketers in the IPL auction. Thackeray confirmed that he has announced the ban with respect to the racial attacks that have been performed on Indian students in the land of Kangaroos.

Talking about Khan’s movie “MY NAME IS KHAN,” Thackeray said that he has no opposition for the movie, but expressed his concerns that when Pakistan had been blocked out from India, Shah Rukh has no right to express his involvemnet for the players of Pakistan, as he himself belongs to India! Thackeray went on to criticize the Congress for supporting Shah Rukh on this entire issue of backing the Pakistani cricketers.

In another news piece, New South Wales cricket administrator, Dr Gorur Krishna Harinath, has affirmed the Oz cricketers should not get apprehensions about the recent declaration by Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and asked them to participate in the upcoming IPL with full spirits.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Harinath said confirmed that Sharad Pawar, along with BBCI president held a meeting with one of Shiv Senas representations, who agreed on looking at the plans all over again.

He further added that cricket fans in India are eager to watch some of the best cricketers in the world as they too want them to play in India in the upcoming IPL. The common man just loves cricket and will not see the lines coming in from Shiv Sena!

Martin Ferguson, Australian Tourism Minister, in his recent interview with IANS, said that Indian economy is applauded as the tenth biggest economy of the world. In addition, the nation is facing tremendous growth period, an aspect that would surely generate opportunities for masses who are interested in the “tourism” aspect!

Despite the recent spate of the racial attacks, Oz is intending to have more Indian tourists, captivating on the 11.9 percent jump in the inflow of visitors last year. The minister said that despite the recession, Australia got a good inflow of visitors last year. According to the statistics, 120,500 Indian tourists came to Australia last year. The stats point out an increase of 11.9% as compared to 2007-08.

The Minister said that Aussie as a country is gradually becoming as an applauded and prospective travel destination as compared to other places like Britain and North America. The main reason as to why Aussie is emerging as a major attraction is because it offers a wide range of adventure activities, he further added

Ferguson said that people of all genres come to Australia. Some spend a fortnight here, stay in luxury hotels, visit some destinations like Sydney and look for adventurous activities! Also, in attempt to lure other Indian tourists, Australia would be coming out with various attractive campaigns with airlines companies, in order to provide competitive travel packages.

Also, keeping in mind the popularity of Internet, the Tourism Australia website is getting all ready to serve its global target audience in the best way possible, the Minister later said.

It has been forgotten that Australia is also in the news for several other reasons. The New Year started off with a bang in the property investment sector. As of now, investment in property is like hot cakes with many investors in queue to buy at the market price.

When compared to the other market segments, the one in the property investment has been doing well in the last two years. This is not only at the local level but at the international level as well. Many in the local market feel that this boom is due to the initiative taken by the Australian government to promote housing for all the first time buyers. It is also being anticipated that this turn would not greatly impact the current market especially the first time buyers segment. The costs under this belt range from AUS $500,000 to AUS $650,000.

Additionally, considerable amount of interest is being seen from the mum and dad investors who are looking out for retirement options and other safe options.

Here, it has to be noted that most of the fresh properties are being sold out completely prior to the auction date that was scheduled.

However, this does not mean that all areas in Sydney are on a high when it comes to prices in property. Thus, it is important to know all the details before actually signing the contract and investing in a particular property. This would prevent you from being cheated and over paying that the actual price of the property.

Here are some basic points that can help you which deciding upon your investment:

• Do a thorough research on the targeted property segments. Get an insight into the various factors that would directly affect each property in question. Enlist all the properties that have been sold recently and the range of cost for each. With this, try and collect information on the growth curve in the price hikes over a period of time along with the median prices and its average as well as the gross rental output.
• Have an unbiased approach every time you inspect a new property. Enlist a set of selection factors and rate each property according to it. Prepare this list in advance.
• Find someone you know and trust to get your property evaluated. You definitely don’t want any foul play in this matter.
• It has to be ensured that the building inspector that you enroll must be well – qualified for his job. He must inspect the building and pest inspection appropriately. See to it that a strata inspection has been conducted for any strata – titled apartment or a townhouse.

These steps are of key importance which the buyers forget in the heat of their excitement or in the fear of losing the property. With this, getting the right advice from an authorized legal consultant is also of great importance. So consult one as well!

Following the series, four Indians, in separate incidents, were attacked in Brisbane, as reports are still unconfirmed whether there has been any racial aspect associated with them or not.

Reports confirm that the Indian cab driver was assaulted and dragged from his cab, while in another incident, a young pizza delivery guy was hit by a cricket bat, and later robed, stating the involvement of criminal motto behind it.

Sujatha Singh, Indian High Commissioner, after reaching Brisbane, is scheduled to meet the officials of Queensland and Brisbane, to take the discussion on attacks to another level.

In another incident, an Indian Punjabi couple, (man, 23 and woman, 20) staying in Melbourne has been arrested for brutally killing Ranjodh Singh, by blazing his body on fire. Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch stated that the police think that the common motto involved in the crime was to kill Singh.

Reports say that Singh came to Australia on a contract marriage. The aim behind his killing has been linked with money matters, ruling out any racial angle involved in the same. His body was found by a passer by on December 29, 2009.

The Punjabi couple lived in Griffith but escaped away to Sydney after committing the crime. While on the other hand, the victim has been residing in Wagga Wagga and used to work in Griffith on a seasonal contract work basis.

New Year’s Eve celebration happens to be the biggest common party across the globe when all nations and religions forget all the differences and come together to welcome the New Year. New Year’s Eve is one such occasion when everyone in everyplace around the world manages to recognize the New Year with some sort of celebration. As we are slowly approaching to the end of 2009, once again there is a restlessness in preparing the planner for the occasion. However, if you are looking forward to have something big and really happening on this New Year’s Eve, then we can help you. Here is a compilation of top ten destinations where you can celebrate the momentous occasion in the best possible way. Go through it and decide upon which destination to reach to join the New Year celebrations before it gets too late.

Sydney, Australia: Sydney accounts for one of the best places across the globe for New Year celebrations, where thousands of enthusiasts gather at Circular Quay, the hub of Sydney Harbour. The celebrations actually begin in the afternoon with a lot of activities. However, the Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display lights up as the clock strikes 12. The spectacular views of fireworks last for more than 15 minutes, but the celebrations go on till the wee hours.

No matter where you want to party, be it in a pub, on the water or on the bridge, make sure you are at Circular Quay to witness the one-of-its-kind fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For your information, make sure you wear black, since black is the wardrobe color of choice for social Sydneysiders. A boat ride in the Sydney Harbour is a fascinating activity on this occasion. It would also be an opportunity to enjoy some great music.

Edinburgh, Scotland: To Scots, New Year is Hogmanay, which is one of the most popular New Year’s events in the world. There is a long rich heritage associated with this event. Hogmanay is basically a four-to-five-day extravaganza. It includes parties to street festivals to entertaining, sometimes terrifying fire festivals, to be brief. Hogmanay usually starts with the Torchlight Procession, followed by street theatre, live music, the Hogmanay carnival and firework at the mid of 31st of December.

Scotland also hosts a number of New Year’s events during Hogmanay. The most famous and the biggest event being taken place in Edinburgh.

Paris, France: Being a famous New Year destination in the world, the capital city of France displays amazing fireworks all over the city. If you are fond of great fireworks, then you must visit Paris for this New Year’s Eve celebrations.

On this occasion, mostly crowds pack around the Champs Elysses and the Eiffel Tower. The dazzling fireworks display can be best viewed from the Eiffel Tower. Being in Paris for the New Year’s celebrations does not mean that you miss out on its famous attractions, including the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre-Coeur Basilica and many more.

Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne perhaps hosts the greatest and the most extravagant New Years celebrations in Australia. Accompanied by massive fireworks the celebrations stretch to the extent of the River Yarra from Swan Street Bridge to Waterfront City, Docklands.

Participants of Melbourne New Year’s Eve celebrations are fortunate enough to see the city skyline lit up into a rainbow of colors. People just cannot get enough of the fireworks shows. The spectacular fireworks can be best viewed from the Princes Bridge and the Crown Entertainment Complex. If you are up to join the celebrations, make sure you reach one of this or all venues- Waterfront City, Docklands; Alexandra Gardens; Federation Square; Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct; Birrarung Marr; and New Quay.

Not to forget, electrifying live performances, roving performers, live music, DJs, movies and lots of other entertainment programs are an integral part of the celebrations. Once you are in Melbourne, do not miss out on an Aussie Rules Football game. Take out some time to wander through the trendy neighbourhood and visit some of Australia’s coolest nightspots.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Known for its warm and friendly people, Rio de Janeiro attracts one of the great crowds on the eve of New Year. People mostly flock to the beaches to celebrate Reveillon (New Year’s Eve), however, it’s Copacabana Beach that hosts the most famous Rio de Janeiro’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

What attracts millions of people every year for the celebrations to Rio de Janeiro is its liveliness. There is always a friendly atmosphere around, thanks to its friendly and warm people. The city houses many interesting museums, ever-welcoming beaches and historic neighborhoods. It is also considered as one of the world’s top party cities, thanks to its thriving nightlife.

Every year Copacabana beach witnesses millions of enthusiasts dancing to the beats of Samba, while sharing champagne and partying. The fireworks display lasts for almost 30 minutes since the time the clock strikes twelve.

Rome, Italy: The volley of fireworks at Piazza del Popolo really deserves a look on the eve of New Year. Even though New Year’s Eve in Rome is celebrated all over the city’s squares, Piazza del Popolo accounts for the most popular destination in Rome to welcome the New Year. The celebrations include fireworks, fantastic rock and classical live music concerts throughout the night, followed by various performances and acrobatics for children’s entertainment in the next day (New Year’s day). A trip to Rome to celebrate New Year does not mean that you indulge only in the celebrations on the square. Rome is like an open museum, so take some time and roam around the charismatic lanes accompanied by amazing architectural structures. Make sure you head to the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin. Everyone does it!

New York, USA: Times Square in Manhattan in the New York City is the best place to be in for New Year’s Eve celebrations. People gather at the venue and the celebrations begin as the New Year’s Eve ball drops from the flagpole on the top of One Times Square. This is one of  the most charming celebrations, since one hardly can beat New Yorkers on how to put on a celebration.

London, England: The British people like it somewhat different! Of course, the best place to be in London to ring in the New Year is Trafalgar Square. People congregate here and countdown to the New Year. People from across the Europe join the New Year’s Day celebrations that stir a sense of national pride and joy within the participants. The London Parade on the New Year’s Day features local heroes, marching bands, clowns and more. You can also join the celebrations near London Eye and London’s Big Ben clock tower.

Las Vegas, USA: What can be said about Las Vegas, the city that parties every night throughout the year!! The city definitely makes one of the best destinations to welcome the New Year 2010. You cannot ask for more, it has everything from night clubs to strip clubs to casinos. Always packed with all the arrangements, Las Vegas surely makes one destination favorable for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Goa, India: Goa has always proved to be a hot destination for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The premier beach destination of India is crowded by thousands of visitors, just to welcome the New Year while jiving and singing. Goa has the perfect ambiance for the celebrations, thanks to its exotic beaches and nightlife. Goan culture and cuisines are some of the delights that visitors from across the world admire it for. While in Goa for the New Year’s celebrations, never miss the chance to walk around the beautiful churches!

As only a few days are left for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, these destinations are going to be packed with enthusiasts to spend the momentous occasion of ringing in the New Year 2010. Be smart and book your tickets and hotels in your desired destination as the hotels fill up very quickly every single year!

Being one of the affluent cities in the world, it is but expected that the property prices in Sydney might be sky high. If you are new to Sydney, this article would prove to be of some use to you.

We presume that you all new know that buying a house can be such a tedious task. Many aspects have to be looked into vis. a vis. the location, amount to be invested, the area of the property and so on. There are many such factors which determine the purchase of a house.

Firstly, the money to be invested becomes the key concern. Depending on the amount that you can spare, along with the location of the purchase plays a crucial role. The location puts your house on demand. With these are the trends in the market, population and other demographical aspects. Not to forget are the area and the size of the property, its look and presentation and so on.

Secondly, the convenience of the property from the main city hubs such as a hospital, local market and public transport. Incase, you have children going to school, you have to ensure that their school is also located nearby. More so, the place you select must have a demand for people to live in. In addition, it should be a place where you can allow your children to grow and the community prospers timely.

It has to be remembered that it is the land price which increases over a period of time. The type of community that your locality would turn into is another prospective factor which has to be considered. You definitely would not want to change your residence every few months.

All in all, a balanced decision has to be made. This is specifically true for the immigrants landing in Sydney. It is highly suggested for them that they do a thorough research of the city before actually landing. Post – landing, they would know the places to look out for a house.

An Immigration and Visa Consultant would also be of help. He would have a series of networked professionals who can help you with the same.